January 13th, 2010 by bbergman

Soda blasting has numerous advantages over power washing when it comes to clean log homes. For starters, soda blasting is a gentle non-chemical, non-toxic and non-abrasive process.

Using just the right pressure, soda blasting eliminates the grime, old finish, dirt and mold without harming the wood’s surface. And soda blasting actually leaves the wood feeling slightly “softer” – not the same brittle-like, harsh texture you get with corn cob blasting or other media solutions.

As the log home job wraps up, your sodablast contractor will do a quick walk-through for any areas he may have overlooked. Property owners and managers don’t have to worry about timely, expensive and difficult clean-ups.

Your contractor will probably hose down the outside of the property and wash away any dust created during the job. He will also pick up any debris, materials and plastic associated with the job.

Here are some helpful tips homeowners and property managers can use:

* Provide the sodablaster with access to water and a hose;

* Dispose the contractor’s trash (i.e., blast material packaging, plastic);

Once you work with a contractor you like, make sure you have all the necessary information to contact him again. It’s important to maintain, restore and clean your log home regularly to ensure it’s kept in the best condition.

Logs need to breathe, but if your home has too many layers of old finish on it, you can actually start to retain too much moisture – the beginning of rot.

The restoration and cleaning process will help identify hidden problems within the log home as old finishes are removed. If there are any issues during the job, our sodablast contractors will help or direct you to the sources that can repair or replace the damaged logs.

Once the sodablast contractor is finished with the job you hired him for, you will need to consider applying a non-toxic borate preservative to protect your wood home and a new coat of stain, which enhances the beauty of the logs.

January 4th, 2010 by bbergman

Once you’ve made the decision to blast your log home, hired a professional sodablast contractor to handle the project and agreed on a date to restore the wood structure, it’s time to make sure everything is set up for a successful outcome.

If the contractor plans to blast any part of the outside of the log building, it will be necessary to scope out the property for overgrown trees, shrubs or bushes that could get in the way. While it certainly makes it easier for the sodablast contractor to work – especially if he has to rent scaffolding equipment to reach high areas - it’s really about making sure you get what you pay for: a complete log home restoration.

Your sodablast contractor will likely need to store some materials on the property while he completes the job. A clear spot in the driveway area or part of a corner in the garage works well.

Be prepared for loud noises for long stretches during the day. You may also notice a little dust collect around the windows inside the log home. Taping the windows can help minimize the dust build-up.

At SodaBlast Systems, one of the most important tips we give our property owners when they hire a professional is to make sure your sodablast contractor knows how to reach you in case he needs to clarify a point or runs into an issue that requires your attention.

After all, the last thing you want to do is come back and find out the contractor went over the budget by $1,000 or stalled for half a day because of an open window.

Coming up next: Discover some quick clean-up tips and learn what your sodablast professional is going to do next.

December 29th, 2009 by bbergman

Hiring a contractor to handle your log cabin restoration project can be overwhelming, especially if you have never done it before. You’re probably wondering where to start, how to find a qualified professional and what kinds of questions to ask.

An association, group or business that represents restoration professionals is a good place to start. When you call one of these sources, they will ask you for specifics about your cabin such as the size, where it’s located and the condition of the wood.

In order to be able to help and direct you to the right contractor, you will need to know and be able to tell someone if you have structural damage, insect or log rot problems and if this is a repair or restoration project.

In most cases, you will receive a short list of qualified professionals who are experienced to handle your type of job. Remember that even the best source can only provide you with basic information. You will need to do your own research and ask questions to make sure you’re hiring the right company to handle your project.

Here are several questions to ask that will help you determine the right soda blasting company for the job:

• Does the contractor have a portfolio that highlights similar work? You wouldn’t hire a plumber to coordinate your wedding or the pet groomer to mow your lawn. Most contractors have a nice sample of various projects they’ve completed. Make sure your contactor has done this kind of work before.

• Can the contractor provide references to similar jobs completed within the past 12 months? Once you’ve determined that his portfolio is up to par, make sure it’s his portfolio! Call on a few past jobs or references to find out how they would rate your contractor. You might find out that he did a great job but over-bid the project or took three weeks longer to complete the restoration.

• How long will it take to complete the job? No one wants to hire a contractor around Labor Day and have to tiptoe past his work come Christmas! Make sure your contractor gives you a reasonable timeframe and then sticks to it. Ask about potential delays and how those setbacks will be handled. This is especially important if you’re restoring the cabin so you can rent it out as a vacation home or sell it. If time is critical, let your contractor know.

Tomorrow’s Topic: Learn what to expect when your sodablast professional starts the log cabin restoration/repair process.

December 21st, 2009 by rhondap

Whether you use your log cabin as a vacation rental, weekend getaway or as a primary residence, you want to make sure you take the best care to preserve and enhance the beauty of your property. Stain removal from any type of wood surfaces can be difficult, especially if it’s not handled appropriately.

Soda blasting removes years of stains, grime and dirt build-up without damaging or compromising the wood structure and professional contractors experienced with media blasting know how to prepare the job correctly.

Like car restoration projects and boat bottom jobs, soda blasting restores log cabins back to the original condition. But how do you know if your log cabin is ready or in need of a restoration?

Ask yourself the following:

• Have you recently constructed an addition on the cabin?

The new structure could have a different color compared to the original cabin.

• Do you plan to sell your cabin or convert it into a weekend retreat?

The cabin could need a little pick-me-upper on the curb appeal to make it a more attractive buy or destination.

• Does your cabin have that weathered, worn-out look?

If it seems that it just doesn’t have the same shine it did a few years back, it might just need a quick restore – it’s a great way to preserve the structure too!

Tomorrow’s Topic: What three questions to ask a contractor as you plan to restore your cabin.